Can Old Social Media Posts Hinder My Job Search?

As one of North Houston’s experienced recruiting agencies, Kingwood Personnel knows the short answer is “yes.” That’s because studies show that most hiring managers will look at your social profiles when they’re considering hiring you. In fact, a report by Jobvite puts that number at 93%. What’s more is that over half – 55% – reconsidered an applicant due to the information they found.

So those Facebook posts that gained you friends and likes, could wind up hurting your job search in the long run. What are some of the worst offenders? Posts involving:

References to illegal drug use

Profanity

Sexual innuendo, or provocative or inappropriate photos

Gun and alcohol use

Errors in grammar or spelling

Discriminatory comments about race or religions

Now that you know the damage that negative social media posts can cause in your job search, what can you do about them? Here are some tips to consider:

Google yourself first to find out what a potential employer might uncover. This is likely the first step a hiring manager will take, so it’s important to know results that come up when you enter your name into the search field.

Get rid of incriminating posts. If you do have a history of posting unsavory information, then get rid of it where you can. Take down those photos of you at the bar or parties and try to clean up your profiles as much as possible.

Change your settings on social media profiles so you limit what the public can see. Also, on Facebook hide your friend’s list. You can control what you post, but not what they do, which is why this is a smart move to make. On Twitter, make sure your profile is protected and not public.

Keep your job search in mind going forward. If you’re not in the middle of a job search, but know you’ll be starting one in the coming months, keep that in mind when you’re posting on social media. Try to stick to neutral subjects and more positive posts in the future.

When it comes to finding a great new job, don’t let an old social media post stand in the way of you getting it. Make sure your online presence is polished and professional by following the tips above.

And if you’d like expert help with your job search process, please call Kingwood Personnel. As one of North Houston’s experienced recruiting agencies, we can help you whether you want to move up the corporate ladder, re-enter the workforce, acquire more experience, or gain more control over your schedule. Contact us today to get started or learn more.